Recombinomics: Confirmed H5N1 Near Dhaka Bangladesh Increases Concern

Commentary

Confirmed H5N1 Near Dhaka Bangladesh Increases Concern
Recombinomics Commentary 19:48
December 17, 2008

Bangladesh has filed an OIE report which confirms the H5N1 outbreak in northern Bangladesh near Rangpur, as well as the more recent outbreak in and around Dhaka (see updated map). WHO had filed an update on the Rangpur outbreak, but at the time the serotype had not been confirmed. At this time an update on the Dhaka outbreak has not been released.

The outbreaks described in the OIE report have been associated with multiple culls. There have already been four in the Dhaka area, supporting rumors of spreading H5N1 in Bangladesh. These culling have been in the past few days and are geographically dispersed, so additional culls are likely.

Similarly, dead crows have been reported in the Malda area as well as additional areas of West Bengal, so additional spread is likely, including outbreaks in northern Bangladesh.

Moreover, in addition to widespread outbreaks in Assam, reports of excessive poultry deaths in multiple areas in West Bengal, as well as Delhi, raise concerns that H5N1 may soon spread throughout India (see expanded map).
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